5x tapas in Rotterdam, here you go
The Dutch summer is closer than you think. Where we regularly sat down on one of these sunny terraces in the summer, it always feels like a holiday in these places. How? By ordering a big jug of sangria, a portion of calamari and an abundance of prawns pil pil. So, take a seat in one of these Rotterdam tapas restaurants and dream away to the Costa del Sol.
In the heart of Rotterdam, on the Meent, you will find this vibrant place surrounded by many cafés and boutiques and within walking distance of the well-known Markthal. After an afternoon exploring Rotterdam or because you have something to celebrate, you can settle down here for the necessary relaxation.
The always cheerful staff awaits you with enthusiasm and is happy to discuss the Spanish beers and Portuguese wines on the menu with you. In addition to the festive dishes and drinks, they also organize events. For example, join the next bingo bongo music bingo or pull out a card game for a competition with your friends. This will make your drinks even more fun.
This always busy tapas bar is a gem in Rotterdam. You can find it within walking distance of Bar Pepito, also on the Meent. That means: starter and main course at one and a dessert at the other. A kind of pub crawl, but then just a little bit different. For tasty sardinas, atún a la tartára and pasta de nata you have to be here. Buen provecho!
Tapas only in the summer? Definitely not. A glass of red wine with Mediterranean tapas also fits – in our opinion – in the winter. The warm interior invites you to stay for hours. When you have had enough of the Spanish atmosphere, you can stand outside directly in the center of Rotterdam where you can sit down at one of the many bars for a last drink.
Weekend? Check. Nice company? Check. Reservation? Check. Then you are in the right place at this place – in the always lively Scheepvaartkwartier in Rotterdam. A reservation is necessary, because several people (fortunately) share this opinion about the popular Spanish tapas bar.
For a romantic date night, take a seat at the bar. Here you can see with your own eyes how the chefs prepare all the snacks and you can on the spot choose your favorite dishes. For more privacy, choose the high tables. Are you with more than four people? Then walk a little further and flop down in the restaurant Berta aan Tafel. Tip: go for the surprise menu of the chef. It certainly does not disappoint!
This restaurant is very high on our list. And the location helps with that. Dining at the Nico Koomanskade is a real treat with the view of the Erasmus Bridge. So after dinner you can immediately take an evening walk along the Rotterdam skyline. Romantic through and through!
For the pimientos de padrón, panceta al grill and croquetas de chorizo we return time and time again to this somewhat hidden spot in Katendrecht. There is a relaxed atmosphere and inside it feels like a living room where you can easily spend your afternoon and evening. Are you not going to Rotterdam-Zuid that quickly? There is also a branch in the Markthal.
Kralingen is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rotterdam – if you ask us – and that is of course for a reason. One of those reasons is this atmospheric restaurant on the Oostzeedijk Beneden. And yes, this is also a place where you have to make a reservation in advance, because there are only a limited number of places available inside.
They don't just serve tapas (and wines) from Spain and Portugal, but from different parts of the world. So your taste buds really travel to heaven on earth. And always seasonal, that tastes a lot better. The menu changes every three months, so reserve your spot for each quarter.
